The worry that advanced military weaponry will end us all was a fear Milton anticipated in 1660.
The value placed on discovering how to effectively destroy the enemy has driven military advancement throughout human existence. The transition from the bow and arrow, to gunpowder, and now atomic bombs- military technology is driven by the will to conquer and vanquish the enemy.
While cannons from the 17th century do not quite rival the damage capability of a nuclear missile, their rapid evolution was clear, and this led to a new form of violence that was previously unseen.
Artillery Evolution
By the 1600's armies effectively used artillery against infantry, where before cannons were typically used against static targets such as castles. Given the weight and technical difficulties of maneuvering an 8,000 lb machine, it was much easier to target a static structure rather than a moving army. Therefore, heavy artillery was used to barrage the walls of a castle rather than a moving battalion.
However, by the Thirty Years War from 1618- 1648 a range of smaller, more maneuverable, cannons developed that could effectively wipe out infantry units. With smaller cannons, engineers could get closer to the enemy and swivel the sights of the barrel efficiently.
With these developments saw the complete transformation of warfare. Equipped with such powerful technology, carnage and violence increased exponentially. Where cavalry and hand to hand fighting was the most common form of combat, cannon balls whizzing through groups of people became the norm. This was a completely new dimension to warfare that shows how military developments can can shape the physics of battle.
Milton's Scrutiny
Milton would have witnessed this carnage as he was living through the dark days of the English Civil war from 1642- 1650 where artillery ripped bodies apart,
"Their develish glut, chained thunderbolts and hail of iron globes, which on the victor host levelled, with such impetuous fury smote, That whom they hit, none on their feet may stand."
This description captures not only the fatal damage artillery can inflict but the sheer intimidation of the technology. The explosive power and force of a cannon is a sublime experience in itself- a sensation of fear and awe that is unique to the technology.
This power, now unleashed on humans, proved a dangerous precedent which Milton describes,
"Someone intent on mischief, or inspired with devilish machination might devise like instrument to plague the sons of men"
The rapid advancement of of artillery took bloodshed to new heights, and as long as humans are alive scientific advancements will continue to develop more efficient forms of destruction. Milton was shocked at the capabilities of a cannon ball, where today we can incinerate an entire city. Many believe this to be the last form of destruction, but I bet someone down the road will come up with something more creative.
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